Hallucinogenic can be found in some plants and mushrooms and have been used for centuries. Almost all hallucinogens contain nitrogen and are classified as alkaloids and have chemical structures similar to those of natural neurotransmitters. Hallucinogens temporarily interfering with neurotransmitter action or by binding to their receptor sites. They are distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord, the serotonin system which are involved in the control of behavioral, perceptual, and regulatory systems, including mood, hunger, body temperature, sexual behavior, muscle control, and sensory perception.
There are four most common types of hallucinogens; LSD, Peyote, PCP and Psilocybin. Hallucinogens effect each person in a different way and are unreliable. They distort a person’s perception of reality. Because of this the use of hallucinogens can be particularly dangerous. Under the influence of hallucinogens, people see images, hear sounds, and feel sensations that seem real but are not.
Is Treatment Available?
Most only seek help for Hallucinogen abuse when they overdose or are having a “bad trip”. It these cases they are often put into a calm, quite room with little sensory stimulation until the effects of the drug has worn off. Benzodiazepines are used to control extreme agitation or seizures when needed.
Inpatient and behavioral treatments for those addicted to hallucinogens have proven to be successful. When entering into a program the addict will go through a detoxification process to cleanse their body of any drugs. They will go into the behavioral modification portion of the program to learn how to live without drugs and treat any psychological issues they have as a result of chronic drug abuse. With the assistant of a treatment program it is possible to overcome this addiction.
